ANITA Rani, who was a surprise hit on Strictly Come Dancing, has joined Northern Ballet’s Board of Directors.

“What an honour to be invited to support this amazing organisation, especially as a Yorkshire lass,” the Bradford-born TV presenter told the Telegraph & Argus. She joins the company in one of its biggest-ever years, preparing for three world premieres - Casanova, The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas and The Little Mermaid.

“I saw Northern Ballet’s incredible production of 1984 and got talking to chief executive Mark Skipper. He saw my genuine passion for dance and that, rather than just giving it a go, I’d found ‘my thing’.

“I never went to the ballet as a child, but if I had my time again I’d be a dancer from the beginning. It’s something you carry for life - I’d have a better posture!

“I watched a rehearsal of Northern Ballet’s Casanova and was in awe of the dancers’ strength and physicality. They’re athletes. I want to show that ballet is for all audiences, even those who’d never normally go.”

Miss Rani made the semi-finals of Strictly in 2015, and recently presented the show’s live UK tour. She’s currently involved with the BBC’s Comic Relief campaign and will present BBC4’s Young Dancer of the Year. “I remember staying up to watch the first ever Comic Relief; it was such cool TV, and opened up the plight of Africa. To watch it as a little girl and now be part of it on TV is wonderful,” said the former Bradford Girls’ Grammar pupil, who started presenting aged 14 on Sunrise Radio.

Her career has seen her present arts and sports programmes, as well as Countryfile, The One Show, This Morning, and documentaries worldwide.

“It all comes down to storytelling,” she said. “Whether I’m in a Syrian refugee camp or a Yorkshire field, it’s about people’s stories. I particularly love Countryfile because I’ve always loved the outdoors - as a child we went to places like Ilkley Moor.

“I’m fiercely proud of Bradford. I’m married to a Londoner, he has lots of cousins who are always jumping on planes, yet half of them haven’t seen the north of their own country. I want people to explore what’s here.”